<p>Located in Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki Castle is one of Japan's twelve original castles from the Edo period. Built in 1611 by lord Nobuhira of the Tsugaru clan, who joined with shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu to usher in the longest period of samurai rule in Japanese history. Unlike many Japanese castles that were destroyed or reconstructed with concrete in the modern era, Hirosaki Castle preserves its original wooden architecture and stone foundations. The castle is renowned for its beautiful three-story keep (tenshu), fortified gates, and surrounding moats. It's particularly famous for its cherry blossom gardens, containing over 2,500 sakura trees that create a stunning display each spring when the moats fill with petals. The castle grounds also feature the former residence of the Tsugaru clan, samurai houses, and a botanical garden.</p>
